EU draft law would tighten rules on loot boxes and virtual currencies in free-to-play games
Developers serving EU players may need regional versions or altered global builds if the proposal survives the amendment process.
The European Commission has proposed a Digital Fairness Act that would apply across all EU member states and target video games, especially free-to-play titles. Under the draft, virtual currencies would have to show their real-money value, be switched off by default for minors unless a parent approves, and loot boxes would be barred from sales to minors while adults would need to see item types and odds beforehand. The proposal also bans in-app purchases needed for progress from minors and would let players disable push notifications and engagement streaks, though the text leaves open what counts as necessary purchases in mixed-age games. Developers could face costly regional versions or altered global builds, and the European Game Developer Federation and Video Games Europe have condemned the draft, saying it sends decisions from parents to the Commission. The proposal now goes to the European Parliament and Council for debate and amendment before any formal vote.
Why it matters
The proposal would apply across all EU member states and cover loot boxes, virtual currencies and design choices such as notifications and engagement streaks. Any game rated below PEGI 18 would count as targeting children, which widens the reach of the restrictions beyond titles aimed at young players. The draft still has to pass through the European Parliament and Council, where it can be debated and amended, so its final form remains open. Industry groups have strongly opposed it, which signals that the outcome for free-to-play games is far from settled.
Series EU Digital Fairness Act draft
- EU draft law would tighten rules on loot boxes and virtual currencies in free-to-play games
- UK and European games bodies warn EU Digital Fairness Act could weaken parental choice and PEGI ratings
- European games trade bodies call the draft Digital Fairness Act unworkable
- EU draft would ban paid loot boxes for minors and let adults switch off compulsive features
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